Conjugate Addition of Organoboron Compounds to α,β-Unsaturated Ketones Catalyzed by Nickelacycles

The catalytic activity of nickelacycles in the conjugate addition of arylboronates to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones was investigated. Nickelacycles afforded beta-arylated ketones in moderate to high yields, whereas an analogous palladacycle did not catalyze the reaction. Studies on the time course of the reaction confirmed that the nickelacycles act as active species in the conjugate addition reaction.

Automated summary

The catalytic activity of nickelacycles in the conjugate addition of arylboronates to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones was investigated. Nickelacycles were found to catalyze the reaction effectively, while an analogous palladacycle did not show any catalytic activity.